Category: Wine of France

Wine Review:  Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont is an elegant and sustainable choice for Valentine’s Day!

I invite you to immerse yourself in elegance and sustainability this Valentine’s Day with a bottle of Réserve de la Terre – Champagne Telmont. This champagne will not only tantalize your palate but also exemplify environmentally sustainable practices.

Réserve de la Terre is a non-vintage cuvée made from three harvests: 2020 at 70%, 2019 at 15%, and 2018 at 15%, with blends of three grape varieties: Meunier at 37%, Chardonnay at 43%, and Pinot Noir at 20%.

Tasting Notes:  a delegate gold hue and on the nose, it presents a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits, white flowers, and subtle hints of brioche. The palate is well-balanced with flavors of green apple, and plum with a hint of spice, complemented by a fine and persistent mousse. The finish is long and refreshing, with a mineral undertone that adds complexity and depth to the overall profile.

I found this champagne to be sophisticated and elegant, while simultaneously offering a delightful sensory experience.
93 Points
Liz Palmer

History of Telmont: The House of Telmont was founded in 1912 by Henri Lhopital in Damery, a village in the heart of the Champagne region in France. Over the years, Telmont has built a reputation for producing high-quality champagnes that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The family-owned estate has always been committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, which is evident in their organic and biodynamic vineyard management. In recent years, Telmont has taken significant steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and promoting biodiversity, making them a pioneer in the world of sustainable viticulture. Telmont has converted its 24.5ha estate to organics.  The Organic Cuvée Telmont Réserve de la Terre is a testament to their dedication to preserving the environment while crafting exceptional champagnes.

Celebrate the Magic of Christmas with Pommery’s Grand Cru Royal Brut Champagne 2009

Looking for the perfect holiday wine?

Let me introduce you to one of my favorites: Pommery’s Grand Cru Royal Brut Champagne 2009! This exceptional vintage is sure to elevate your celebrations.

Tasting Notes: Golden hue, very fine effervescence. Exceptional brilliance.  The first nose is discreet and fresh. The aromas are floral and sweet with hints of citrus and figs. Exceptional mineralogy on the palate with some citrus and green apple, with notes of almond and toasted bread which adds complexity to this cuvee. A long, creamy finish with crisp acidity.
93 Points_LIz Palmer

This champagne is a gastronomic delight, perfectly crafted to enhance and complement a wide range of exquisite dishes, such as:

•               Fresh oysters and seafood platters

•               Roasted poultry + turkey

•               Creamy risottos or truffle pasta

•               Cheeses like Brie, Camembert –  *my
favourite – aged Comté

•               Lemon tart

🌟 Raise a glass to a sparkling holiday season and enjoy this remarkable Champagne!  🍾🥂

Champagne Pommery is available at LCBO
NO HST (ONTARIO) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Champagne Pommery Grand Cru Royal Brut 2009 | LCBO #40870

‘Tis the season for gifting… Pommery!

Wine Review: Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne

The Laurent-Perrier Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne stands out as one of my favorite champagnes, not only for its exceptional quality but also for its unique and elegant metal jacket adorned with intricate petal designs.

Tasting Notes:

Laurent-Perrier’s Metal Jacket Petals Edition Brut Cuvée Rosé presents a refined expression of the house’s signature elegance and craftsmanship. On the nose, it unveils a bouquet of fresh red berries, predominantly strawberry and raspberry, intermingled with hints of rose petals and subtle notes of currant. The palate is marked by a lively acidity that enlivens the delicate fruit flavors, with a touch of minerality adding complexity. The finish is long and crisp, leaving a refreshing impression. The fine bubbles enhance the champagne’s light and airy texture, making it an ideal choice for celebratory occasions.
Score:  94

Technical Details:

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alc./vol.: 12%

Dosage: Brut

Aging: Minimum of five years on the lees

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)

The Metal Jacket [Petals Edition] Brut Cuvée Rosé Champagne reflects Laurent-Perrier’s dedication to excellence and luxury. The unique metal jacket, adorned with petal designs, not only protects the bottle but also serves as a tribute to the elegance and refinement that define the house’s creations. This is a standout choice for this holiday season, combining luxury and exceptional taste in one exquisite presentation! 

Historical Background

Laurent-Perrier Estate was founded in 1812 by André Michel Pierlot and has grown to become one of the most esteemed champagne houses in the world. The estate is located in Tours-sur-Marne, in the heart of the Champagne region, and has been guided by a dedication to tradition and innovation over the centuries.

Laurent-Perrier is renowned for its pioneering spirit, especially in the production of rosé champagne. The house’s Brut Cuvée Rosé was first created in 1968 by the visionary Cellar Master, Bernard de Nonancourt. Unlike many other rosé champagnes, Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Cuvée Rosé is made using the saignée method, which involves allowing the grape juice to remain in contact with the skins until the desired color is achieved. This technique imparts a rich and distinctive character to the wine.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture practices. Laurent-Perrier emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in its vineyards and has adopted measures to minimize its environmental impact. The house’s meticulous approach to winemaking includes hand-picking grapes and employing traditional methods in its state-of-the-art facilities.

New Leadership to Foster Growth and Recognition for Vins du Centre-Loire

The Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins du Centre-Loire (BIVC) has ushered in a new chapter with the appointment of François Bouteille as its Director, succeeding Edouard Mognetti. With a strong background in vine and wine law, a degree in business law, and intellectual property from Bordeaux University, Bouteille brings extensive expertise to the role. His wine industry journey began with the Champagne Trade Association, followed by a consulting firm in Australia that specialized in appellation protection. Most recently, Bouteille held the directorship at the Vouvray Syndicate, where he worked closely with regional winegrowers to elevate their profiles on both local and global stages.

Bouteille is determined to champion the values of independent winegrowers while promoting the diverse terroirs and appellations of Centre-Loire wines. His strategic vision focuses on enhancing the region’s economic research initiatives to identify new markets and diversify its offerings.

“I am convinced that the vineyards of Centre-Loire are poised for greater recognition. The immense potential of our wines resonates with enthusiasts across all generations, both in France and internationally,” Bouteille said.

He emphasized that the BIVC’s technical and promotional strategies will continue to support the sustainable growth of the region’s eight appellations and two IGPs. The appeal of single grape variety wines offers an approachable entry point for consumers, fostering a deeper exploration of the region’s unique mosaic of terroirs.

Source: (BIVC)

Lunch Wines at The Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés 2020-2023 [London]

The Bordeaux Grands Crus Classés tasting, held yesterday at the historic Church House in London, brought together key figures from the wine industry—journalists, sommeliers, and wine trade professionals. Lunch showcased a selection of Bordeaux’s iconic appellations, including Pomerol, Saint-Estèphe, Sauternes, Saint-Julien, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Émilion, Pauillac, and Margaux with vintages from 2008 to 2019.

The white wines provided a refreshing prelude to the reds, exhibiting the precise craftsmanship of Bordeaux winemakers in their balance of acidity, fruit expression, and oak integration. Notably, the 2019 Château Tronquoy Blanc (Magnum) from Saint-Estèphe impressed with its elegance and minerality, while the 2010 Château Guiraud 1er Grand Cru Classé from Sauternes offered the hallmark sweetness and complexity characteristic of top-tier dessert wines.

The red wines took center stage, offering a tour de force of Bordeaux’s diverse terroirs and winemaking styles. The lineup included:

2017 Château Branaire-Ducru (Saint-Julien), exhibiting fine tannins and a fresh, vibrant finish.

2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte (Pessac-Léognan), with notes of black fruit and tobacco, showcasing its structured elegance.

2016 Château Canon (Saint-Émilion),and 2016 La Mondotte (Saint-Émilion), representing the rich, powerful styles of Saint-Émilion.

2016 Château Pontet-Canet (Pauillac), with its signature depth and concentrated flavors.

2015 Château Montrose (Saint-Estèphe), which stood out as a personal favorite, revealing an impeccable balance of bold fruit, earthiness, and a long finish—epitomizing the power of Montrose.

2014 Château Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux), offering elegance and finesse.

2009 Château Gazin (Pomerol), another standout with its lush, velvety texture and layers of complexity—a highlight of the tasting.

2008 Château Léoville Poyferré (Saint-Julien), with its refined structure and aging potential.

My personal favorites from this exceptional tasting were the 2009 Château Gazin from Pomerol and the 2015 Château Montrose from Saint-Estèphe, each offering distinct profiles that perfectly showcased the diversity of Bordeaux’s terroirs.